For the first-time, the company will have a wholly-owned operation on the continent, with FLT today acquiring Netherlands-based Business Travel Development B.V.(BTD)

The acquired business has a lengthy relationship with FCM, having been the network's independent licensee in the Netherlands since 2005.

FCM's global general manager, Gregory Lording, said the acquisition was in response to strong multinational growth in Europe over the past few years.

"Europe has always been a region of strength for us and bringing on this successful business under the Flight Centre Travel Group banner will serve to strengthen our footprint in this key market," he said.

BTD leader Remco van Donk will continue to run the business as the FCM Netherlands general manager.

The business will be closely aligned with the FCM operations in the UK and Ireland.

Steve Norris, FLT's corporate managing director for Europe & Africa, said that the strong service offering already in place would assist with national growth of corporate business in the market as well as supporting FCM's multinational customers' requirements.

"The team in the Netherlands has been part of the FCM family for nearly as long as we have been around; the people truly understand our business DNA and the client-focus that is central to our customer value proposition," he said.

This acquisition now sees the number of wholly owned FCM businesses around the world increase to 14, which aside from the Netherlands also includes operations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Greater China (Hong Kong and Mainland China), India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and the United States.